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IndyCar secures long-term future with Chevrolet and Honda contract extensions, ending speculation about manufacturer commitments to the series. Both automotive giants have signed multi-year deals beginning in 2027, with terms allowing each to own a charter starting in 2028 when the series debuts its new car.
The announcement on Thursday puts to rest nearly two years of uncertainty surrounding Honda’s future in North America’s premier open-wheel racing series. The Japanese manufacturer had been noncommittal about extending beyond its current contract, which expires after the 2026 season, as it evaluated its global motorsports strategy, including a potential NASCAR entry.
“As charter entrants in 2028, Chevrolet and Honda now have a new and exciting opportunity to build on their incredible legacies across IndyCar Series racing,” said J. Douglas Boles, IndyCar president. “They can continue their strong relationships with our current roster of teams while helping deliver an innovative and industry-leading new car in 2028.”
The contract extensions represent a significant commitment to the series’ future stability. Both manufacturers will play integral roles in developing the engine and competition rules for the new car set to debut in 2028, underscoring their technical investment in the sport.
“Chevrolet and Honda have worked tirelessly with us over the last 12 months to get to this point,” Boles noted. “Both have made it very clear they are fully committed to this sport and invested in continuing the positive momentum the series generated in 2025.”
The agreements align with IndyCar’s recently announced charter system, initially revealed in late 2024. Under this structure, charters were allocated to teams based on full-time entries from the 2022 and 2023 seasons, with a maximum of three charters per team. The new agreements specify that teams already at the three-charter limit cannot add a fourth car through manufacturer charters.
For Chevrolet, this extension builds upon its successful return to IndyCar in 2012, during which the American manufacturer has secured nine championships in 14 seasons. Throughout IndyCar history, Chevrolet has accumulated 16 total titles, cementing its legacy in American open-wheel racing.
“Chevrolet has enjoyed a long, successful relationship with IndyCar as an engine manufacturer, and this extension paves the way for the IndyCar Series to continue to grow,” said GM President Mark Reuss. “The addition of a charter allows Chevrolet to join with other stakeholders to continue to make the series even stronger.”
Reuss also highlighted the technology transfer benefits between racing innovation and consumer vehicles, a core value proposition for manufacturers participating in motorsports.
Honda’s commitment carries particular significance given industry speculation about its future plans. The Japanese manufacturer began its IndyCar journey in 1994 and has maintained a presence for over three decades, including a six-season period as the sole engine supplier.
Last season, Honda captured its 11th manufacturers’ title in multi-manufacturer competition and its fifth championship in the past eight years. The company has powered Chip Ganassi Racing’s Alex Palou to four driver championships since 2021, underscoring its competitive success.
“With a deep respect for the history and competitive spirit of IndyCar racing, we are proud to continue our involvement after more than 30 years,” said David Salters, president of Honda Racing Corporation USA. “This longstanding commitment strengthens our ability to further develop our people and technology at the pinnacle of open-wheel racing in North America.”
The dual manufacturer agreements provide IndyCar with continuity and stability heading into the final season of the current technical package. While Chevrolet had previously expressed willingness to supply the entire field if necessary, maintaining a competitive balance between two manufacturers has been crucial to the series’ competitive health.
The 2026 IndyCar season, operating under the current agreements, is scheduled to begin March 1 on the downtown streets of St. Petersburg, Florida.
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10 Comments
It’s great to see IndyCar securing these long-term deals with Honda and Chevrolet. The series has been on an upward trajectory, and this should help cement its position as a premier open-wheel racing championship.
Two years of uncertainty around Honda’s future in IndyCar must have been nerve-wracking for the series and its fans. I’m glad that’s now resolved, and both automakers are committed long-term.
Yes, the news provides much-needed reassurance about the series’ future. Continuity with the manufacturer partners is crucial for IndyCar’s growth and popularity.
This is great news for IndyCar. Securing long-term commitments from both Honda and Chevrolet brings much-needed stability to the series. It will be interesting to see how the new charter system impacts team ownership and competitiveness in the coming years.
Absolutely. The charter system should help attract and retain top-tier teams, which will only improve the quality of racing for fans.
The engine and chassis development for the 2028 new car will be critical. I hope the manufacturers can work closely with IndyCar to create an exciting, cutting-edge platform that appeals to both fans and drivers.
Agreed. Collaboration between the series and manufacturers will be key to ensuring the new car is a success.
The 2028 new car development will be a critical project. I hope the engineers at Honda and Chevrolet can collaborate effectively with IndyCar to deliver an innovative, high-performance platform that excites fans and drivers alike.
The new charter system seems like an interesting initiative. I wonder how it will impact the overall competitiveness and parity within the series. Will it help or hinder the smaller, independent teams?
I’m curious to learn more about the specific terms of these new contracts. What concessions or incentives did IndyCar offer to lock in these commitments from the manufacturers?